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Name:
Holmes, Lakisha
Date of Booking:
05/22/2025
Reason(s) For Booking:
CRUELTY TO CHILDREN – 2ND DEGREE
Reckless Conduct
Article:
Mom, stepdad charged after 3-year-old found abandoned in underwear in SE Atlanta — Featured
The information below reflects all details available at the time of publication and was obtained directly from the official court database accessible to the public. Court records are subject to change at any time at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors, omissions, or discrepancies within the docket. No information provided should be construed as legal advice or opinion. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
5/23/25
FIRST APPEARANCE HEARING FOR LAKISHA HOLMES
What this means: Lakisha Holmes appeared before a Fulton County Superior Court judge for her initial court hearing in case 25SC005059. She is charged with cruelty to children in the second degree and reckless conduct in connection with alleged incidents involving victim Zavien Gist. During first appearance, defendants are informed of the charges against them and their constitutional rights.
5/23/25
BOND SET AT $50,000 FOR LAKISHA HOLMES
What this means: The judge set Lakisha Holmes’s bond at $50,000 in the Fulton County Superior Court case. This means she could be released from jail by posting $50,000 or using a bail bondsman. The bond order includes conditions prohibiting her from contacting the victim and requiring her to stay away from any child under 18 years old. She appeared via Zoom for this hearing.
6/11/25
DEFENSE ATTORNEY ENTERS APPEARANCE FOR LAKISHA HOLMES
What this means: A defense attorney officially notified the Fulton County Superior Court that they are representing Lakisha Holmes in case 25SC005059. This formal filing establishes the attorney-client relationship and allows the lawyer to act on Holmes’s behalf in all court proceedings.
6/12/25
DEFENSE FILES MOTION FOR BOND REDUCTION FOR LAKISHA HOLMES
What this means: Lakisha Holmes’s defense attorney asked the Fulton County Superior Court to lower her $50,000 bond amount. Defense attorneys often file these motions arguing that the current bond is too high for their client’s financial circumstances or that a lower amount would still ensure the defendant appears for court.
6/13/25
PRELIMINARY HEARING HELD FOR LAKISHA HOLMES
What this means: Lakisha Holmes appeared before a Fulton County magistrate judge for a preliminary hearing in case 25SC005059. At this hearing, the court determines whether there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed the alleged crimes. This is a key early step in felony cases before they proceed to the grand jury.
6/13/25
BOND REDUCED TO $10,000 FOR LAKISHA HOLMES
What this means: Following the defense motion, the court agreed to reduce Lakisha Holmes’s bond from $50,000 to $10,000 in case 25SC005059. The new consent bond order maintains the same conditions – no contact with victim Zavien Gist, no contact with children under 18, and special conditions including “no guns or drugs without valid prescription.” This lower amount makes it easier for Holmes to post bond and be released.
6/13/25
LAKISHA HOLMES WAIVES PRELIMINARY HEARING
What this means: Lakisha Holmes formally waived her right to a preliminary hearing in Fulton County Superior Court case 25SC005059. By waiving this hearing, she agreed to have the case proceed directly to the grand jury without requiring the state to present evidence at this preliminary stage. The waiver notes involve the defendant and client’s connection to the incident.
8/15/25
GRAND JURY INDICTS LAKISHA HOLMES
What this means: A Fulton County grand jury formally indicted Lakisha Holmes on charges of cruelty to children in the second degree and reckless conduct. An indictment means the grand jury found probable cause to believe Holmes committed these crimes. The case now moves from the accusation stage to a formal criminal prosecution in Superior Court.
9/15/25
NEW DEFENSE ATTORNEY ENTERS APPEARANCE FOR LAKISHA HOLMES
What this means: A different defense attorney filed an entry of appearance for Lakisha Holmes in Fulton County Superior Court case 25SC005059. This indicates Holmes either changed lawyers or a new attorney joined her defense team. The formal filing allows this attorney to represent her in all future proceedings.
9/16/25
CERTIFICATE OF DISCOVERY FILED IN LAKISHA HOLMES CASE
What this means: The prosecution filed a certificate of discovery in Lakisha Holmes’s case in Fulton County Superior Court. This document confirms that the state has provided the defense with evidence they plan to use at trial, including police reports, witness statements, and other materials. Discovery sharing is required to ensure both sides can prepare their cases.
10/6/25
ARRAIGNMENT RESCHEDULED FOR LAKISHA HOLMES
What this means: Lakisha Holmes’s arraignment hearing in Fulton County Superior Court case 25SC005059 was postponed to a later date. Arraignment is where defendants formally enter their plea to the charges. Court schedules often change due to attorney availability, caseload issues, or other procedural matters.
10/25
ARRAIGNMENT HELD FOR LAKISHA HOLMES
What this means: Lakisha Holmes appeared for her rescheduled arraignment in Fulton County Superior Court case 25SC005059. At this hearing, she formally entered her plea to the charges of cruelty to children in the second degree and reckless conduct. The arraignment officially begins the trial preparation phase of the case.
1/15/26
STATUS CONFERENCE HELD FOR LAKISHA HOLMES
What this means: Lakisha Holmes and her attorneys appeared for a status conference in Fulton County Superior Court case 25SC005059. Status conferences allow the judge, prosecution, and defense to discuss the case’s progress, resolve any pending issues, and set schedules for upcoming proceedings. These meetings help move cases toward resolution.
1/29/26
CALENDAR CALL FOR LAKISHA HOLMES CASE
What this means: Lakisha Holmes’s case was called during a calendar call session in Fulton County Superior Court. Calendar calls are administrative hearings where judges review multiple cases to schedule trial dates, handle plea agreements, or address other scheduling matters. This often indicates the case is moving toward final resolution.
1/29/26
LAKISHA HOLMES ACCEPTS FIRST OFFENDER PLEA AGREEMENT
What this means: Lakisha Holmes entered into a first offender plea agreement in Fulton County Superior Court case 25SC005059 before Judge Kevin M. Farmer. She accepted first offender treatment for cruelty to children in the second degree, with the reckless conduct charge merging into count one. Under Georgia’s First Offender Act, if she successfully completes her sentence, she will not have a conviction on her record. She was represented by attorney Mohammed S. Luwemba.
1/29/26
LAKISHA HOLMES SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS PROBATION
What this means: Judge Kevin M. Farmer sentenced Lakisha Holmes to 10 years of felony probation in Fulton County Superior Court case 25SC005059. As part of her first offender sentence, Holmes must complete 100 hours of community service, take a parenting class, have no contact with the victim unless authorized by DFCS, and comply with all DFCS instructions including case 25-01629 and juvenile case 224717. She will remain on probation supervision and must pay associated fees and surcharges.